News

CUNY Launches Campaign to Encourage University Members to Get Vaccinated
The City University of New York today launched #VaxUpCUNY, a multifaceted, multimedia campaign to encourage CUNY students, alumni, faculty and staff to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they become eligible. The campaign will target communities of color to ease anxiety and hesitancy to the vaccine.“It is incumbent upon each of us to do all we can to help our city, state and nation finally overcome this horrific pandemic,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “As a public University deeply embedded in New York’s DNA, it is our responsibility to educate and inform about the critical importance of these vaccines to the health and well-being of our CUNY community, and also our loved ones, friends, neighbors, colleagues and the city as a whole. That is the mission of #VaxUpCUNY, with a special emphasis on allaying fears and concerns that exist in communities of color around these life-saving vaccines.” Learn more about the #VAXUPCUNY Campaign here.

Take CUNY Survey
As CUNY plans for Fall 2021, the university wants to better understand employees’ preferences and concerns about both working remotely and returning to the office. CUNY is asking for your feedback and encourages you to take a few minutes to complete the Fall Planning Survey. This survey is anonymous, and your feedback will allow CUNY to better serve and support its staff. For more information: CUNYSurvey2@cuny.edu.

President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation Proposal Submission Process Available The President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation (PFEI) has been established through the generous and ground-breaking donation of philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, in recognition and support of the exceptional mission and success of BMCC. The Fund will support and allow for strategic investment in innovative projects, initiatives, and programming that advance the College’s mission, moves BMCC towards realization of the vision, and honors Ms. Scott’s desire to focus on basic needs, equity and inclusion, economic mobility, and support for the demographic population served by BMCC/ minoritized communities. BMCC faculty, staff and students can submit proposals for consideration in a two-step process. Proposals for usage of these funds will only be considered if they adhere to the guiding principles of the Fund, support the mission and vision of BMCC, and meet one or more of the thematic areas of need. Proposals can be submitted in one of the three focus areas: Teaching and Curriculum Initiatives, Transformational Student Support, or Innovative Programs. Deadlines and guidance are available on the PFEI website. For more information contact Lorna Malcolm, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu.

College Council Committee on Campus Life and Student Issues Releases Student Resources Quick Reference Guide  Whether you are a mentor, faculty or staff member, the Student Resource Quick Reference Guide is a useful tool to help students connect to resources on campus. "The genesis of the document was the question, 'How do we get all students to become aware of the services and resources available to help them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom?,'" said Vice President for Student Affairs Marva Craig. "We solicited recommendations from faculty on the committee and programs including AATC, ASAP, BLA and College Discovery on the type of information students ask for most frequently when they are being advised." The guide will soon be posted on the Faculty and Staff Resource page of the BMCC website, as well as sent directly to students.

Communications Manager Lynn McGee Publishes Children’s Book “The idea for Starting Over in Sunset Park came from watching clients' cats when they went on vacation, through an agency owned by my friend and co-writer Jose Pelauz," says Public Affairs Communications Manager Lynn McGee. "It helped me through a tough time. Our main character, eight-year-old Jessica, is having a hard time adjusting to New York City. She and her mother Camila make a little extra money through a cat-sitting service, and watching the cats get used to new surroundings helps Jessica adjust." Originally the character idea of a single mom was inspired by her sister, McGee says. "Then Jose and I decided to make the characters from the Dominican Republic, like so many families in Sunset Park, a Brooklyn neighborhood we both love and the setting for the book. Also, by then we were angry about the suffering of immigrant children at the U.S. border and wanted to write something that would help them. Jose and I met in the cafeteria upstairs at Whole Foods near BMCC, to brainstorm. I sent a story pitch to a few places and it got picked up right away." The illustrator is Bianca Diaz and the book, from Tilbury House Publishers, is distributed by Norton.

Announcements

Employee Appreciation Awards Ballot Nomination Deadline Extended to June 18 Time to cast your ballot! BMCC is accepting ballot submissions from students, faculty and staff for the 2020-2021 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards, which are presented to full- and part-time administrative and/or support and service (non-teaching) staff members who were nominated in appreciation of their overall quality of work and dedication to the College. Eligible staff levels include: Civil Service series (including Provisional); College Assistants; Research Foundation employees; Gittleson (COA, CSA, CAA); and HEO Title Series. Fulltime and part-time faculty are not eligible for this award. The deadline for ballot submissions has been extended to Friday, June 18, 2021. SUBMIT A BALLOT by entering nominations for the Leadership Award, Inspiration Award, Innovation/Technology Award, Rookie of the Year, and Team Achievement. BMCC community members have only ONE opportunity to submit a ballot.

Deadline extended to April 5: Poverty and Humanities 2021 Summer Institute for Faculty
Become a Poverty and Humanities Faculty Fellow! This BMCC-led and NEH-funded institute is open to 20 full- and part-time CUNY community college faculty from all disciplines and will meet twice weekly on Zoom from July 6 to August 10. Institute Fellows will participate in roundtable talks and workshops with guest scholars and the BMCC project team. The goal is for faculty across disciplines to engage with humanities texts that can lead to empowering poverty-focused discussions in the classroom. Faculty Fellows will receive $1,600 for their participation and implementation of poverty-enhanced teaching modules. Read more about the project here. Apply here. If you have questions, email the project team at voicingpoverty@bmcc.cuny.edu 

Encourage Students to Submit Original Writing, Drawings and Photographs for Modern Languages Colloquium Website
Through May 17, BMCC students in any major are invited to submit an original drawing, photograph or poem/reflection up to 300 words on the theme “Hard Times in the Modern World,” for inclusion on the Modern Language Colloquium web page. Living through a pandemic has deeply affected everyone’s lives, and the colloquium seeks to include the perspective of students on how they feel about these times. Let students know they can upload their submission and to direct any questions to the Modern Languages Department at rzelaya@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Free College Advising for Qualifying NYC Adults
Consider referring New York City residents age 19 years and older to the free College Connections Project at the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC). Participants receive one-on-one support to explore different colleges, complete college and financial aid applications, and register for college classes. Potential students can schedule an appointment with a College Connections Project Advisor online.

MOMA/CUNY Now Selecting Student Ambassador Cohort, Deadline April 15
As part of a MoMA/CUNY partnership, MoMA will host via Zoom, Cohort 2 of CUNY student ambassadors. BMCC degree-seeking and continuing education student ambassadors interested in arts education and administration—and legally eligible to work in the United States—will attend mandatory seminars June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. and a public program on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. They will learn about modern and contemporary art, meet museum professionals and receive a $900 stipend upon completion of the program. Applicants must submit as email attachments, a resume and 500-word cover letter explaining why they are applying, what they hope to gain and how this program will enhance their education and career plans. The email subject line must read, “MoMA/CUNY Student Ambassador Application” and the body of the email include the applicant's name, contact information, CUNY school, major/degree and how they heard about the program. These materials and any questions should go to Hannah Fagin (hannah_fagin@moma.org) by April 15.

Virtual Sixth Annual Teacher Education Day: April 17 
BMCC students—not just Teacher Education majors—are invited to the sixth annual, virtual Teacher Education Day, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will choose from talks including Gender Equity in Education with Cris Mayo, editor-in-chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia on Gender and Sexuality in Education; Achieving Equity: Black Men in Education with Reuben Quansah, NYC Men Teach and Ashtian Holmes, BMCC Urban Male Leadership Academy; International Career Opportunities in Education with educators from Tanganyika, UAE, Egypt and Singapore; Career Opportunities in Education, which looks at alternative careers including paraprofessional and museum educator, and Advocacy and Activism with Kemala Karmen from NYC Opt Out and Danielle McKoy from NYC Alliance for School Integration and Desegregation. Register to receive the zoom link. 

BMCC Celebrates Women's HerStory Month Through April 22 
This year’s theme, "Empowering Women in the New Normal: Body, Mind and Soul," focuses on issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Forthcoming events include Resilience of Black Women, Women Who Lead STEM, Media Arts for Fun With Caroline Mays and Womb Wellness. Visit the WHM events calendar for details.

Refer a Student to the Conexiones & Connections Program Launch BMCC is proud to announce the launch of Conexiones & Connections, a federally funded Title V program that supports Latino males and students from low-income households as they persist in their studies and move toward graduation. The program offers academic support, career development services, peer mentoring and faculty/staff coaches. To refer a first- or second-semester student to the program launch, please email connections@bmcc.cuny.edu with the student’s name and CUNYfirst ID number, and the Conexiones team will reach out to them. Alternatively, students can sign up online.

Digital Faculty Art Show “Notes from the Underground” Now Open 
The Shirley Fiterman Arts Center (SFAC) will present “Notes from the Underground,” a digital exhibition of recent BMCC faculty artwork on Instagram and Facebook through April 23. The show will also be available on the SFAC website.

Visit ITS Website for Computer Lab and TEC Availability Information
Faculty and staff can visit the BMCC Instructional Technology Services (ITS) webpage to check availability and log into computer lab and Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs). ITS staff are available to provide assistance to faculty using technology in education, research, conferences and special events. For more information, click here.

Free Drop Off Tax Preparation for BMCC Community Available Through April 8
Current BMCC students or parents of a dependent student, alumni, faculty and staff with a total pre-tax household income at or below $66,000 are invited to take advantage of free tax preparation assistance. For more information, contact the BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu

Quiet Study and Computer Lab Reservations Available  
Students can reserve a single-seat study space on the second floor of the Murray Building at 70 Murray Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must bring a photo ID with them and complete the daily health screening each day they visit campus. They can reserve a study time here.

Electronic Device Distribution on Pause During Spring Break
BMCC will not distribute electronic devices to students during spring break from March 29 through April 2. Normal distribution will begin the week of April 5. Eligible BMCC students can borrow an electronic device Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the BMCC gym, 100 North Moore Street. Students must apply and choose a day to pick up their device. For more information, students can contact studentaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Equity Is our Strength  
BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity, and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. If you have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment, you can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.  

Campus Planning and Facilities

The Reimagining BMCC Website Now Provides a Quick Reference to Student Resources 
Scroll down the Reimagining BMCC website to find Faculty Resources, Staff Resources and Student Resources — the last of which now includes a handy listing of services, offices, their hours of operation and virtual contact information to assist you as your guide students toward resources during the academic year. Other sections continue providing information on campus reopening, procedures, safety measures and more.

Consult BMCC Virtual Events Website, for Support in Planning Classroom Activities and Special Events
BMCC offers different ways to host Virtual Events. These include Zoom Meetings, Zoom Webinars and Livestream. To keep those events secure, review the updated CUNY Zoom Security Protocol page.

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community  
Whether focusing on fitness or finding support in a time of crisis, the Resilience, Health and Wellness website provides resources and news for students, faculty and staff. As BMCC President Anthony Munroe puts it, “As a community, we need to reach out to each other, encourage each other to access the resources available to us. No one has to experience this time alone.”

Daily Everbridge Wellness Screening Mandatory for Faculty, Students, Visitors and Staff All visitors to the BMCC campus must complete a daily health screening using the Everbridge App or the Everbridge Email Option. Students, faculty and staff can use this Instructional Guide and visitors can use this Visitor's Guide. The CUNY FAQ guide is also helpful. For those who do not have a smartphone, go to the Everbridge Member Portal and sign up, using your CUNY login credentials to receive email notifications. To protect the health of the BMCC community, it is important to be accurate as possible in self reporting on the Wellness app.

Have You Traveled Outside New York Recently? New Everbridge Guidelines Apply.
The Everbridge COVID screening has been modified to meet New York travel guidelines. It will ask the question, "Have you traveled outside of New York State or traveled internationally during the past seven days?"

• If you have traveled to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont during the past seven days, you must answer “No”
• If you have traveled to a state other than Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont in the last seven days, or if you have traveled internationally, you must answer “Yes”

Enrollment

Spring Open House Attracts Hundreds as BMCC Continues to Elevate Virtual Programming 
The best of BMCC was on full display on March 20 as faculty, staff and administrators across the campus joined forces and offered assurance, encouragement and affirmation to prospective students and their families during the BMCC Spring Virtual Open House. The spirited extravaganza featured a reception curated by DJ Eric Prince from Harlem, a familial welcome address by BMCC President Anthony Munroe, and exclusive information about the Zurich apprenticeship program. Faculty across more than 25 disciplines highlighted Academic & Career Communities while sharing their approaches to remote learning in intimate breakout sessions. Guests also participated in an inaugural "Speed Dating with Success Programs and Support Services" activity including Financial Aid, ASAP, College Discovery, BMCC Learning Academy, Math Start/CUNY Start, Conexiones, Student Activities, Accessibility Services, Counseling, MEOC and Continuing Education. The grand finale featured current BMCC students and recent alumni sharing insights about their BMCC experience before and amid the pandemic via the BMCC Success Panel. The BMCC Admissions Office thanks everyone who contributed to this endeavor which further demonstrates the strides BMCC has made as a national leading institution in providing exceptional virtual support services to students. Students, faculty and staff who want to provide feedback or join the Summer 2021 Open House on June 26 can contact Express@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Listen In: Podcast Series Features Authentic Student Conversations Get a first-hand perspective on BMCC. In a limited-release podcast series from BMCC Admissions, students and alumni look back at 2020 in conversations on choosing classes, club shenanigans, and fitting-in, in an online college community. Listen and subscribe!

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

BMCC Professor David Klassen stresses the power of strike actions in reference to Graduate Student Organizing Committee
March 24, 2021—Washington Square News

BMCC Professor Roderick Shane Snipes explains how mindfulness is an entrepreneurial skill
March 23, 2021—SUM

Human Resources

BMCC Employees Must Complete Workplace Violence and ESPARC Training ASAP
BMCC employees must complete Work Place Violence Awareness (WPV) as well as Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) training. Part-time employees must complete both trainings before the end of the current semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings before July 30, 2021. HR is hosting trainings for both the ESPARC and WPV via Zoom. Space is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in attending a virtual training, send an email to Josefa Larios at jlarios@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Payroll Distribution: Thursday, April 1
BMCC employees who do not have direct deposit can pick up their paper payroll check on Thursday, April 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry. 

Now Is the Time to Set Up a NY State Deferred Compensation Plan  CUNY employees are in a unique position to save for retirement. Make an appointment with Arlene Werner, Retirement Specialist and BMCC's dedicated account executive for the 457 Plan through CUNY at (614) 854-4547 or wernea2@Nationwide.com. Review your existing plan or discuss benefits and get enrolled. Employees 50 and older, learn about the 50+ catch-up plan. For more information, visit the NY State Deferred Compensation Plan website or call (800) 422-8463.

Are You Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine? Many City employees are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine—a safe, free, effective way to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out if you are eligible visit nyc.gov. Bookmark the page and check back often. If you're eligible, make an appointment online.

Join WW and Celebrate National Nutrition Month Join WW from March 1 through March 31 and get a free Healthy Kitchen Kit with your membership. Redeem for your kit by April 10 here. Also, fill out this form for your WW discount. BONUS: Recipe of the Month Polenta “Pizza” Margarita.

Move More at Home, With Free Zumba, Yoga and Other Classes Now through March, WorkWell Digital offers free online toning and conditioning, yoga, Zumba, meditation courses and more. Register online.

Webinar Offers Tips on Decluttering for Spring 
Spring is in the air, so why not mix up your routine by making spring cleaning a fun way to be active? View Work Well’s Decluttering for Your Best Life Webinar for spring cleaning inspiration.  This WorkWell NYC webinar is free and now available.

Alumni and Donors

BMCC Alumni from MediaCom virtually visits BMCC BMCC Alumnus Aaron Francois (’14, Business) joined the BMCC Learning Academy on March 19 for a special career spotlight event. Francois is an Integrated Communications Supervisor at MediaCom and spoke to students about his path to success. During the chat, Francois provided students with networking and study tips, as well as overall life guidance. If you are an alumni interested in speaking to students about your career journey, or would like to attend an upcoming Alumni Chat, please email Alumni Relations Manager Yaritza Gonzalez at ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Virtual Alumni Chat: Careers in Wealth Management On March 24, BMCC alumnus Simon Zais (’16, Business), a consultant at CAPCO, participated in a BMCC Virtual Alumni Chat hosted by BMCC Alumni Relations. During the event, Zais shared his “Start Here. Go Anywhere” journey from BMCC to UBS and beyond. He spoke about his career in wealth management and shared advice to current students on how to prepare for a career in finance. If you are an alumni interested in speaking to students about your career journey, or would like to attend an upcoming Alumni Chat, please email Alumni Relations Manager Yaritza Gonzalez at ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Give the Gift of Education
Your generous donations go a long way in funding scholarships, research and programs and allow us to continue delivering quality education to our students. Some of the ways to give include Direct Gifts, Gifts of Securities, Gifts of Real Estate and many more. For more information, please visit the Ways to Give website, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu). Your support is greatly appreciated.

Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers Rather than itemize their deductions, the CARES Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction for cash donations made to public charities. For 2021 only, the law doubles to $600 the maximum amount joint filers may deduct. (Single filers or married filers who file separately are limited to $300.) Please donate to the BMCC Foundation at Giving to BMCC Foundation. For more information, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Economics Seminar: Dr. Nina Banks and the Economics of Black Women’s Unseen Community Activism March 26

Online Internship Information Session
March 27

Join the Zine Workshop and Make Your Own Zine
March 29

Workshop: How to Apply to BMCC
March 30

Writing Center Advanced Composition Workshop: Types fo Central Questions
April 1

Transfer Thursday
April 1

Connect with BMCC

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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.